***No Onward Chain*** Set within approximately one acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, this substantial seven-bedroom detached Grade II Listed country residence dates back to the 16th century and extends to approximately 5,733 sq ft. The property retains a wealth of period features, complemented by an abundance of natural light and a versatile living arrangement. The accommodation offers considerable flexibility and includes the potential for a one bedroom annexe, together with additional guest quarters to the rear elevation. Externally, the property is equally impressive, featuring a heated swimming pool, private tennis court, formal gardens and ample driveway parking. There is also a separate parking area to the rear, accessed via its own entrance. Offering a rare combination of historic character, generous accommodation and extensive private grounds, this remarkable country home provides considerable scope for a variety of lifestyle requirements.
Main House - Accessed via a solid oak entrance door, the property opens into a welcoming central hallway, with a staircase rising to the first-floor landing and doors leading to two reception rooms, the study and utility room.
The principal reception room is an elegant and generously proportioned space, featuring sash windows to multiple aspects which flood the room with natural light. Exposed timbers and a striking cast-iron fireplace provide a wealth of period character.
The second reception room enjoys a large window overlooking the front of the property and features a further attractive cast-iron fireplace.
Positioned to the rear of the property, the well-proportioned study benefits from French doors opening directly onto the gardens, creating a pleasant connection with the outside space.
The magnificent formal dining room continues the property's theme of natural light and period character, with two beautiful sash windows and a central cast-iron fireplace. A door from the dining room leads into the well-appointed modern kitchen/breakfast room, which combines contemporary convenience with traditional character. The kitchen features a working AGA, reclaimed brick flooring and extensive exposed timbering.
The kitchen/breakfast room flows seamlessly into a beautiful Westbury-built sunroom, with French doors opening onto the gardens.
From the breakfast area, the heavily timbered family room provides an impressive additional living space, featuring an abundance of natural light, a vaulted ceiling and bi-folding doors opening onto the terrace, swimming pool and gardens. A staircase rises from this room to a secondary landing.
Serving the kitchen is a well-proportioned utility room, while a separate cloakroom completes the principal ground-floor accommodation.
The main first-floor landing provides access to four generous double bedrooms, together with a luxurious family bathroom and an additional shower room.
A secondary landing leads to a particularly characterful vaulted double bedroom, featuring extensive exposed timbers, a feature fireplace and exposed floorboards, together with a dedicated shower room.
A third staircase, positioned towards the rear of the property, rises to a mezzanine landing providing access to two further double bedrooms and an en-suite shower room.
Annexe/Guest Accommodation - Ideally positioned to the rear of the main residence is a charming, self-contained one-bedroom annexe, offering an abundance of character and charm and providing an ideal space for guests, extended family or independent living.
The annexe features a superb open-plan kitchen/dining/living room with a vaulted ceiling, exposed character features and bi-folding doors opening directly onto the swimming pool terrace, creating a wonderful connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
A door leads through to a well-proportioned bedroom/cinema room, offering a versatile space that could be utilised to suit individual requirements. The annexe is completed by a well-appointed shower room.
Full of character and charm, this versatile ancillary accommodation complements the main residence perfectly.
Grounds - The beautifully established grounds extend to approximately one acre, offering an exceptional combination of formal landscaping, mature trees and established shrubs, creating a wonderfully private and tranquil setting.
A series of formal lawns are complemented by a beautifully paved patio courtyard and further patio seating area, providing a variety of elegant spaces for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. To the rear of the property, a heated swimming pool is accompanied by a stunning wraparound terrace, creating a luxurious outdoor setting for summer gatherings and leisurely afternoons.
The grounds further benefit from a fully enclosed tennis court, discreetly positioned within the landscaped surroundings.
Approached via a sweeping shingle driveway, the property offers an impressive sense of arrival, with the driveway leading through to the rear courtyard. A separate drive provides access to an additional parking area, while two useful storage buildings are conveniently positioned off the main driveway.
Mature trees, established shrubs and thoughtfully arranged planting combine to give the grounds a sense of privacy, seclusion and timeless elegance, creating a truly impressive setting for this exceptional property.
Location Summary - Shalford is a picturesque rural village set amongst the attractive Essex countryside, offering a peaceful village setting with excellent access to a number of well-regarded surrounding towns and villages. Nearby Great Bardfield provides a charming historic village atmosphere, whilst Great Dunmow offers an extensive range of shops, restaurants, caf?s and leisure facilities. Felsted, home to the renowned Felsted School, is also within easy reach.
For commuters, the area benefits from convenient road connections, with the A120 providing access towards Stansted Airport, the M11 and Bishop's Stortford, while the A131 connects towards Braintree and Chelmsford. Braintree railway station provides services towards London, offering a further option for commuters.
Combining countryside living, excellent schooling, attractive villages and convenient access to Braintree, Great Dunmow, Great Bardfield, Felsted, Chelmsford and the wider Essex transport network, Shalford offers an appealing location for families and commuters alike.
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